Barberry (Berberis)

Barberry Genus Details

The barberry is a common shrub which originated in England and is now spread throughout Europe and the U.S. They are commonly used as garden shrubs. The barberry has woody stems and is usually 8 to 10 feet high. The berries of this shrub contain citric and malic acid and have been used to treat inflammatory fevers, scurvy and sore throats. There are many species of this shrub, including the holly-leaved barberry and the Japanese barberry with flowers that range in color from yellowish-green to pale yellow. They usually flower from March to May.

The barberry (Berberis) genus.

The barberry (Berberis) genus.

Barberry Allergy Info

Few reports of allergenicity have been found.

Barberry Pollen Description

Berberis pollen grains are spheroidal. The 6-12 colpi are narrow; the ends connecting at the poles. The sexine is tegillate with puncti or perforations about 0.5 micrometers.